Expert Rules to Follow When Decluttering Your Home

Decluttering your home is more than just tidying up; it is about creating a space that feels refreshing, organized, and functional. Whether you are downsizing, preparing for a move, or simply trying to regain control over your living space, following expert-backed decluttering rules can help streamline the process and make it less overwhelming.

From setting realistic goals to using proven organization techniques, this guide will walk you through the essential rules to follow when decluttering your home.

1. Start Small and Stay Focused

One of the biggest mistakes people make when decluttering is trying to tackle everything at once. Professional organizers recommend starting small, such as decluttering a single drawer, shelf, or a small closet. Completing small tasks provides an immediate sense of accomplishment, which helps maintain motivation to move on to larger projects.

Action Tip:

• Choose one area to start with, such as a junk drawer or a bathroom cabinet.
• Set a timer for 15–30 minutes and focus only on that area.
• Once finished, move on to the next section over time.

2. Use the Four-Box Method

The Four-Box Method is a widely used decluttering strategy that simplifies decision-making. As you go through your items, separate them into four categories:

• Keep: Items you use regularly and truly need.
• Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer use but someone else could benefit from.
• Trash: Items that are broken, expired, or no longer functional.
• Relocate: Items that belong in another room or area of the house.

Action Tip:

• Get four boxes or bins and label them accordingly.
• Be honest with yourself about whether you actually need or use each item.
• Set a deadline to donate or dispose of unwanted items.

3. Follow the 90/90 Rule

The 90/90 Rule, developed by The Minimalists, is a simple way to determine whether an item should stay or go. Ask yourself:

• Have I used this item in the last 90 days?
• Will I use it in the next 90 days?

If the answer to both questions is no, then it is time to let it go.

Action Tip:

• Be realistic about whether you genuinely use an item or if you are keeping it “just in case.”
• Adjust the timeframe based on seasonal items if necessary.

4. Declutter by Category, Not by Room

Instead of decluttering room by room, professional organizers recommend decluttering by category. This method, made popular by Marie Kondo, allows you to see everything you own in a specific category and make better decisions.

Common categories include:

• Clothes
• Books
• Kitchen gadgets
• Papers and documents
• Sentimental items

Action Tip:

• Gather all items of one category in one place before deciding what to keep.
• Ask yourself if each item serves a purpose or brings you joy.

5. Create a “Maybe” Box

Sometimes, it is hard to let go of certain items immediately. A “Maybe” box allows you to place uncertain items out of sight for a set period (e.g., three months). If you do not need or miss them during that time, it is a sign that you can let them go.

Action Tip:

• Set a reminder on your calendar to review the “Maybe” box after three months.
• If you have not retrieved any items, donate or discard them.

6. Digitize Sentimental Items and Paperwork

Old photographs, letters, and documents can take up significant space. Instead of storing stacks of papers, consider scanning and digitizing them. This will preserve important memories while freeing up physical space.

Action Tip:

• Use a scanning app or invest in a document scanner to digitize important papers.
• Create organized folders on your computer or cloud storage for easy access.

7. Adopt the One-In-One-Out Rule

To prevent clutter from accumulating again, apply the One-In-One-Out Rule. For every new item you bring into your home, remove an existing item. This helps maintain balance and prevents unnecessary buildup of belongings.

Action Tip:

• Every time you buy a new piece of clothing, donate an old one.
• Regularly assess your belongings to ensure everything has a purpose.

8. Use Storage Solutions Wisely

Decluttering is not just about getting rid of things; it is also about organizing what you keep. Invest in smart storage solutions that make it easy to maintain an organized space.

Storage Ideas:

• Vertical Storage: Use wall-mounted shelves or hanging organizers.
• Clear Containers: Store items in labeled, clear bins to see what you have.
• Drawer Dividers: Keep small items like accessories, office supplies, or utensils neatly arranged.

Action Tip:

• Do not buy storage solutions until after you declutter to avoid storing unnecessary items.
• Use baskets or bins to group similar items together.

9. Declutter Regularly

Decluttering is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Make it a habit to assess your belongings regularly to prevent clutter from piling up again.

Action Tip:

• Set a reminder every three months to do a quick home decluttering session.
• Spend 10–15 minutes each week tidying up specific areas.

10. Be Mindful of Future Purchases

Avoid re-cluttering your home by being intentional with what you bring into your space. Ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:

• Do I really need this item?
• Do I already own something similar?
• Will this item add value to my daily life?

Action Tip:

• Implement a 24-hour rule: Wait a day before buying non-essential items to avoid impulse purchases.
• Keep a wishlist for things you want and revisit it after some time to see if you still need them.

Conclusion

Decluttering your home does not have to be overwhelming. By following expert-backed rules like the Four-Box Method, 90/90 Rule, One-In-One-Out Rule, and digitizing sentimental items, you can create an organized, stress-free living space.

The key to success is starting small, being consistent, and making decluttering a part of your routine. By being mindful of what you keep and what you bring into your home, you can maintain a clutter-free, peaceful environment for the long term.

Are you ready to take control of your space? Start today, one small step at a time!